Iraq and Vietnam: The parallels in opinions

I just finished looking through microfilm images of the Herald and News, a local newspaper, at the library. On page 5A of the issue published on Halloween 1965, there was printed a story with the headline "Sidewalk Interview In KF Finds No Support For Anti-Viet Nam Demonstrators". While you read this story, keep in mind the "war on terror" and the Iraq War.

— Athelwulf

Sidewalk Interview In KF Finds No Support
For Anti-Viet Nam Demonstrators
A sampling of opinions in downtown Klamath Falls last week revealed no support for and little patience with students who are demonstrating against U.S. involvement in Viet Nam.

A Herald and News reporter asked 10 people how they felt about the wave of demonstrations currently being carried out on campuses across the nation.

Unpatriotic, shameful and stupid were some of the words used by those interviewed as they expressed themselves on the demonstrations.

Following are their answers:

George DuPont, 224 Pacific Terrace, co-owner of camera shop — "Demonstrations are stupid, particularly when it comes to interfering with troop trains, although I don't think it is necessarily Communist inspired."

Huston Davis, 3644 Agate, barber — "We should get those students over there and let them get a first hand view of what it is all about."

Harry Beer, London, England, World War I and II British Army veteran, tourist — "My opinion, and I believe the majority of the English, is that the demonstrations are all wrong and if the United States did pull out of Viet Nam, it would be another victory for the Communists."

John Stroop, downtown mailman and World War II vet, 2204 Green Springs — "I think it is very unpatriotic on the part of the students."

Frank Nesbitt, 1208 Martin, radio advertiser — "Students are not educated on the situation over there and I feel they are being snowed by subversive attitudes."

Mrs. Lola Fowler, 3322 Homedale Road, cashier — "I think the demonstrations are lousy but it is no more than a fad. Something like follow-the-leader."

Mrs. John Williams, service wife, 716B Wright — "I think the demonstrations are ridiculous when we are fighting for freedom and it also destroys the morale of our fighting men on the front."

Mrs. C. E. Barnes, 721A Wright Ave., clerk — "I am sure there is more to the demonstrations than meets the eye, we are all supposed to be fighting for freedom, not supporting communism."

Virginia Longhofer, Rte. 2, Box 7917, clerk — "Those students should spend more time doing something constructive and keep their little minds occupied."

Kevin O'Donough, Banff, Canada, artist on way to San Francisco art exhibit — "Those youngsters should be ashamed of themselves. These are supposed to be future leaders of America. If communism is not stopped over there, it will have to be stopped on the shores of the U.S."